The sweet smell of gingerbread will be wafting through the halls at the Arts Education Center, 125 S. Washington St., Gettysburg, when the Adams County Arts Council opens its doors for the 16th Annual Gingerbread Celebration & Holiday Market. Sponsored by Kennie’s Markets, Mister Ed’s Elephant Museum & Candy Emporium, and RE/MAX of Gettysburg – Suzanne Christianson, the event will be held December 5, 6, & 7, in conjunction with the Gettysburg Christmas Festival.
Admission to this perennial favorite holiday event is free for children with a $1 donation requested for adults. Event hours are 3 pm to 8 pm on Friday, 10 am to 6 pm on Saturday and 10 am to 2 pm on Sunday. Proceeds help support the Arts Council’s year-round enrichment programs for all ages.
The Auction of Houses, when auctioneer Randy Hilker puts a selection of the fabulous creations will be up for sale to the highest bidder, is set for Friday, December 5, 5 pm to 6 pm. This allows attendees plenty of time afterward to head to Lincoln Square for the tree lighting and Tuba Fest. Admission to the auction is free and will feature holiday beverages and nibbles. Any houses not sold at the auction will be up for bid throughout the weekend at the Arts Council’s website. Local charities will be recipients of a gingerbread house if high bidders choose to donate rather than keep them.
Prizes include People’s Choice, Best School/Nonprofit, and Best Business which will be awarded by popular vote. Votes cost $1 each and may also be cast online during event hours at the Arts Council’s website. A panel of judges will award the Best of Show prize, Most Original Concept, and Best Team Effort. Bronze sponsors include Destination Gettysburg, PNC, VFW Post 8896, and Weikert’s Livestock, Inc.
The Celebration also features hand-made gifts by area artisans in the Holiday Market. Vendors will be selling jewelry, ornaments, baskets, wall hangings, baked pet treats, soap, and sea glass, and seashell artwork. A Spider’s Tale is returning with her fascinating Christmas Spiders! Rounding out the activities for the entire family are a gift basket silent auction, children’s games, and bake sale.
For more information visit www.adamsarts.org or call (717) 334-5006.
The mission of the Adams County Arts Council is to cultivate an arts-rich community.
Photo Caption: This house, created by the 2024 People’s Choice Award Winner Brittany Smith and Family, was one of 25 entries at last year’s Gingerbread Celebration. For more information about this year’s contest, Dec 5 – 7, at the Adams County Arts Council’s Arts Education Center, visit adamsarts.org.